Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Bologna 2013: An Emphasis on Middle-Grade and Realistic Fiction

Despite cold, rainy weather and scheduling that rubbed up against Passover and
Easter, attendees at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair reported that
foot traffic was heavy, moods were optimistic, and business was getting done. Agents, publishers, and rights managers alike reported increased interest in
middle-grade fiction. “People want lightly illustrated middle-grade or
standalone contemporary,” said agent Ginger Clark. “They’re skeptical of
trilogies. I haven’t heard a specific genre that people want, except
contemporaryYA – that’s refreshing.” more »